KAMPALA: When Victoria University in Kampala appointed socialist Bad Black, also known as Shanitah Namuyumba, as its Brand Ambassador, a section of the Ugandan public went wild on social media questioning the versatile university’s move, saying that the choice was wrong given that the lady has been plying her trade as a confessed prostitute.
However Victoria University has its own criteria when it comes to the admission of students and awarding of jobs. The criteria is non discriminatory as it caters for the high class as well as the low class of the Ugandan society.
The university that gives hands-on skills has of recent given free scholarships to bloggers to sharpen their skills for employment but giving Bad Black a new role of brand ambassador is further meant to attract the underprivileged Ugandans to university but also make them believe that they can make it in life just like Bad Black, seen as a rotten egg by some Ugandans and others in the region. The new appointment will give chance to Bad Black to grow into a more responsible and respectable woman. “Some jobs change the way we behave and act.”
A prominent social critic has applauded Victoria University, a member of Ruparelia Group of Companies, for considering Bad Black for the job, reasoning that President Yoweri Museveni has also appointed some Individuals to ministerial posts, even though some Ugandans saw them as undeserving of the jobs. “Remember when Nabbanja was announced as Prime Minister” . Some said she lacks academic as well as political credentials required of that job.” For me I think Bad Black will deliver results for the university, he said, adding that the celebrity has a huge following, moreover of young people who don’t dwell so much on someone’s past.
Another analyst when contacted, said that, “Today modern universities also focus on uplifting the lives of the underprivileged and that Victoria University should be applauded for the latest development.”
Another respondent added that Bad Black has in the past been used by government to promote its health programmes and that therefore Victoria University has done nothing wrong by making her its brand ambassador. ” If government can see something good in Bad Black why not other institutions?” He asked.
Another official at the university said that another Ruparelia entity Kampala Parents School gave chance to young Musician ‘Fresh Kid’ real name Patrick Sennyonjo who was from a poor family and the boy has become one of the best pupils at the school, despite coming from a rural setting in Luwero district. “It is one of the university’s objectives to uplift the underprivileged,” he said, adding that more surprises as yet to come from the university.
Others praised Bad Black for being courageous to take up the job. “You must know that before the official announcement on September 27, 2021, discussions had been going between the two sides and her courage and willingness to adjust is commendable.” The university adminstration must be commended for deciding to work with Bad Black, said a parent whose child goes to the university that offers online causes.
According to an inside source, Victoria University has already registered over 500 students for November 2021 intake.
Below is the contract;
